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Lunch » Tags » Books » Reviews » Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 3 » User review

Superman: The Man of Steel, Vol. 3 - Although a little weaker than the first two, still entertaining

  • Jun 19, 2011
Rating:
+4
In a far galaxy exists a world called Krypton that is on the brink of destruction. The planet is highly unstable and is set to explode in hours. A scientist by the name of Jor-El understands that his doom is near. He decides to put his son Kal-El in a rocket ship and plot a course for the planet called Earth. Years later, Kal-El, who is now named Clark Kent grows up to be an extraordinary talented teen, with gifts that sets him apart from everyone else. After being told his origin from his new parents, he decides to put his gifts to use by helping those in need around the world as Superman.


Previous Volumes:

Superman - The Man of Steel Volume One

Superman - The Man of Steel Volume Two


Superman - The Man of Steel Volume Three

There's never a day of rest for the Man of Steel. While Jimmy Olsen is on a date with his girlfriend, a wild gunman by the name of Bloodsport bursts in and shoots up the place. His hail of bullets holds no prejudice as even women and children are mercilessly gunned down. Superman enters the scene and vows to capture the maniac. -summary

John Byrne's take on Superman continues with this trade paper back. This book reprints The Adventures of Superman #'s 427 - 429, Action Comics #'s 587 - 589, and Superman #'s 4 - 6. The character development continues mainly on the part of Superman here, as we learn even more that although an alien, he is still indeed very human. Other characters are thrown into the mix, and we get a chance to learn more about them as well. Many other heroes from the DC Universe make appearances that adds to the excitement. The only area I can really see these stories lacking would be concerning the villains, with the exceptions of Bloodsport and Lex Luthor, there were no other villains that caught my attention at all.

The first story involving Bloodsport is well written and it's among my favorites in this book. Coming in, it's very easy to imagine Superman storming in and taking him apart, because there's no way a mere mortal should be able to stand up to him. But Byrne manages to make the fight more interesting by evening out the playing field between the two in a creative way. In addition, Luthor continues his obsession to be rid of Superman.

Later stories play more on Superman's human side, and he allows his two lives to clash with each other, something that he swore not to do. The best story to me happened to take place with the Daily Planet's managing editor Perry White. This story thrusts family values into the light, and puts him in a position where he has to choose between safeguarding his family or doing what he believes is morally right. Drama wise, I would say this is the strongest story of the bunch.

Hawkman, Hawkgirl, and the Green Lantern Corps guest star in a couple of issues. These stories are more action oriented, and someone who isn't well versed with the Green Lanterns will get an idea on what they're about. Superman also goes back in time courtesy of Etrigan to save the lives of people in the present.

The artwork has a few standout moments with some good facial gestures that accurately displays emotions. I felt the character designs had more of a dated feel this time around for some reason. I just really didn't take a liking to them the same way I did in the previous volumes. The action mainly delivers during the one on one battles, but there was nothing that truly stood out to me. I guess this had more to do with the weaker rogue's gallery this time around.

Overall, this third volume is good reading. I never felt like putting the book down, and I've read it several times throughout the years. I don't exactly think it's essential to pick up the earlier volumes, but I recommend doing so. This volume is 204 pages.

Pros:
-More character development
-Good stories
-Guest stars

Cons:
-Not as good as the previous volumes
-Somewhat approaching the average side

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Post a Comment
June 27, 2011
I agree with Alex-- Excellent review! I was just talking Super Man shop with the hubby the other day, so I felt inspired to check out some of your Super Man reviews that I haven't read. Great job as always!
June 28, 2011
Thanks. It's always good to know that there's more fans of Supes out there.
June 28, 2011
Agree!
 
June 25, 2011
Excellent review
June 25, 2011
Thanks man, and I see you're back. Plan on kicking out something new?
June 25, 2011
Only for a few days, will be gone again for another week. May churn something out tonight.
June 26, 2011
Cool, I may be by later on tonight, but definitely tomorrow to check it out. I ran through a bunch of your QT's and reviews today.
 
June 20, 2011
Nice review, I vaguely remember this story arc. I remember Supes helping out Hawkman and Hawkgirl to save Thanagar also, but I can't remember on what volume it was reprinted. Supes became a lot more interesting with Byrne on the helm.
June 25, 2011
Funny, I can't remember the exact volume either, but it's here though. and I agree, Byrne helped him a lot.
 
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Wiki

Superman: The Man of Steel is the title of a monthly American comic book series that ran 136 issues (ending with issue #134) from 1991 to 2003. published by DC Comics, featuring Superman. As a consequence of introducing this series alongside its already existing titles, DC Comics was able to publish a new Superman comic each week. Included in these 136 issues were two special issues: #0 (October 1994, published between issues #37 and #38) and #1,000,000 (November 1998, published between issues #83 and #84), both of which related to other storylines crossing over the DC Universe, Zero Hour (comics) and DC One Million.
The first issue was written by Louise Simonson and featured art by Jon Bogdanove, Tom Grummett, Bob McLeod, Dan Jurgens, Dennis Janke, Jerry Ordway, and Brett Breeding.
Issues 22 through 26 of the series were a part of the story The Reign of the Supermen storyline which received the Comics Buyer's Guide Fan Award for Favorite Comic-Book Story for 1993.
The title, Superman: The Man of Steel, would be used again for a series of trade paperbacks collecting the early adventures of the Post-Crisis Superman. The first volume collects and retitles The Man of Steel limited series.
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